President pledges to increase funding for research and development

Tea Research Institute in Talawakelle marks 150 years of Ceylon Tea

President Maithripala Sirisena on Saturday said his Government will allocate more funds for research and development in all areas including agriculture.

Addressing an event held to mark 150 years of Sri Lanka’s tea industry and the 92 years of Tea Research Institute in Talawakelle on Saturday the President said the Government is committed to providing the resources required for the development of the tea industry.

Appreciating the 92 years of service rendered to the nation by the Tea Research Institute, the President said a proposal will be tabled before the cabinet to make all employees of the institute permanent.

President Sirisena said the Government is also planning several welfare programs to improve the living standards of estate employees.

At the event, the President recognised the employees at the TRI who worked with dedication and provided an outstanding service to the tea industry.

President Sirisena also introduced for the first time four drought-resistant varieties of tea of the TRI 5000 series developed by the Tea Research Institute’s long-term research and planted a sapling of one of them at the TRI premises.

The President also opened the Information Centre of the Tea Research Institute and launched a SMS service for the clients of the TRI.

Plantation Minster Navin Dissanayake, Upcountry Village Development Minister P. Digambaram, State Minister of education P. Radhakrishnan, Deputy Minister Lakshman Wasantha Perera, TRI Chairman Dr. M.M.J.P. Gawarammana and state officials also participated in the occasion.